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But I'm a Cheerleader and Color in Queer Cinema

   But I'm a Cheerleader (1999) - IMDb 

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    My second favorite romantic comedy is the 1999 film But I'm a Cheerleader by director Jamie Babbit. Babbit is most known for her queer work and honestly I should watch more of her films given how much I love this one. The film itself focuses on Megan, a teenager played by Natasha Lyonne, who is sent to conversion therapy by her parents. Only problem is that Megan doesn't even know she's gay when she gets sent. Everyone around her knows, it's really just like that sometimes, but she remains ignorant. This is the setup for a film about self discovery and queerness and that also has Dante Basco in it. So a complete package. Something that But I'm a Cheerleader does exceptionally well is how it utilizes color.

    Within the walls of True Directions, the conversion camp, everything is painted in vibrant tones. One of the main goals of the camp is to make those within re-identify with ideas of traditional gender roles and the world within the camp is presented in these simplistic ideas. Everything is bright, pink and blue. Overly simplistic and childlike. Much like the ideas inherent to traditional gender roles. 

Mise-en-Scene Scrapbook: But I'm a Cheerleader. By Tessa Throneburg ⋆ Film Matters MagazineFilm Matters Magazine 

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    The simplistic worldview of True Directions is reflected within its coloring. It is also juxtaposed against the moments of the film set outside of it. The colors present whenever our characters stray from the camp are muted and muddled. More complicated than the cookie-cuttter brightness presented by the world-view shown by True Directions. This is most present when our characters go to a gay bar, sneaking out from the false reality of the camp. The bar is awash in dark colors and lighting, showcasing the freedom of that darkness felt by many queer people.

Great Moments in Gayness: Journey to the Cocksucker in "But I'm a Cheerleader" - Blog - The Film Experience 

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    But I'm a Cheerleader uses the coloring of its sets to demonstrate the flawed world views present in homophobia and traditional gender roles. It is a visual metaphor that directly supports the plot of the film. Just another indicator that this film was horribly undervalued at the time of its release, please watch it. I own it both digitally and physically and it is amazing.  

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